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EXCLUSIVE: England squad member Jono Ross endured a tough time during his time at the Bulls but that all changed when he made the decision to head north to ply his trade in France.

EXCLUSIVE: Rebels defence coach Kevin Foote has no issue with joining the Rebels' training when they are on tour.

EXCLUSIVE: Rebels head coach Dave Wessels has paid tribute to current Western Province coach John Dobson for the role he played in his coaching career.

EXCLUSIVE: It does not get any more clear than this as to what the Springbok emblem means to Rebels defence coach Kevin Foote.

EXCLUSIVE: The Rebels burst into the 2018 Super Rugby with renewed vigour and quickly established themselves as one of the front-runners to claim the Australian conference.

EXCLUSIVE: Rebels coach Dave Wessels reveals why gave up the chance to coach Pro14 giants Munster in favour of remaining Super Rugby.

EXCLUSIVE: Jaco Kriel's move to Gloucester to join former coach Johan Ackermann is the right decision for his career.

EXCLUSIVE: The greatest Springbok wing may have retired from the game but that does not mean that he needs to be lost to South African rugby.

EXCLUSIVE: Keegan Daniel may only be stepping away from the game at the end of the current Super Rugby season, and has already started planning his next step.

EXCLUSIVE: Based on current form believes Handre Pollard is leading the race for the Springbok flyhalf position.

EXCLUSIVE: Soon to be retired Sharks stalwart Keegan Daniel looks towards the upcoming series against England and names his ideal loose trio.

EXCLUSIVE: While some believe that Bryan Habana's retirement announcement came as a result of not being able to regain a spot in Toulon's matchday squad, however, he gave Late Tackle the exclusive insight. 

EXCLUSIVE: Not too long ago, Anton 'Worms' van Zyl questioned the Jaguares' Super Rugby inclusion as they offer little value to the competition and, as recent results would have it, he accepted the backlash.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok legend Bryan Habana has put on his selector hat and picked an interesting Springbok backline for the first Test against England in June.

EXCLUSIVE: James Murphy, who came from relative obscurity to be part of the broader BlitzBok squad, speaks about what he feels is a vitally important aspect of the Sevens game.

EXCLUSIVE: The sanction handed to the Crusaders' Joe Moody following a cheap shot on Kurtley Beale has not gone down well with those outside of New Zealand.

EXCLUSIVE: Every couch critic has their opinion on who Rassie Erasmus should select as the starting Springbok backline, so we decided to add two more voices to the selection committee.

EXCLUSIVE: After the recent revelation that the prestigious Currie Cup has been reduced to a competition shorter than the Varsity Cup, the question has to be asked about whether there is still a need for it.

EXCLUSIVE: Francois 'Faf' de Klerk is yet another on a long list of South Africans to have resurrected their career after playing in Europe and England squad member Jono Ross believes the scrumhalf deserves a Springbok spot.

EXCLUSIVE: The curtain is about to come down on the professional career of Springbok Schalk Brits as he prepares for his final appearance.

EXCLUSIVE: Eddie Jones' recent England squads announcement features another South African-born player who has thrived in Europe.

EXCLUSIVE: Soon to be retired Springbok legend Bryan Habana just can't get enough of Late Tackle as he joins the team to chat all things retirement and drops a Bok bolter or two with the upcoming England Series in mind.

VIDEO: Gareth Wright, Western Province's kicking coach and recruiter, joins the Late Tackle team on the couch to speak about what goes into recruiting players for the Union.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez has named what he feels is the team best equipped to take down the high-flying Jaguares.

LISTEN as Stuart Berry talks about becoming the first South African referee to take charge of a Final in the Pro14 competition.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have only four survivors from the squad that recorded a historic win over the Stormers last weekend.

NEWS: Stormers wing Seabelo Senatla has been seen training with the BlitzBoks.

WATCH as Wallaby coach Michael Cheika explains how he plans to upstage Six Nations and Grand Slam winners Ireland next month.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps confirm that following the expiry of his contract defence coach Phil Blake’s two-year spell at the club has come to an end.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Queensland Reds put up a brave fight and almost came away with a win over the Hurricanes, going down 38-34.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Four Australian internationals have returned to the Rebels squad for their Super Rugby match against the Sunwovles on Friday.

JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT:  With the World Rugby Under-20 championship just around the corner in France, in conjunction with our partner RugbyPass, we look at standout candidates to keep an eye on from the major contenders.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes will field a new midfield combination when they travel south to meet the defending Super Rugby champions Crusaders on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders were forced to make three changes to the side that will take on the Hurricanes this Friday in a top-of-the-table blockbuster at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

RANKINGS: It has been much easier to arrange the Top 20 this week as there were good performances but no major upheavals.

Glenwood travelled up north this weekend with their 1st XV Rugby Team to lock horns with Monnas (Hoërskool Monument), known around Krugersdorp as ‘Die Wit Bulle’. 

May is running to a rapid end, and so are northern competitions, still being distilled into the heady brew of victory..

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Captain and hooker Guilhem Guirado has been rested for France's tour of New Zealand in June with barn-storming centre Mathieu Bastareaud likely to be handed the skipper's armband for three Tests against the All Blacks.

NEWS: Charles Marais (prop) and Justin Basson (lock) have extended their contracts with the Cheetahs for another two years.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

INJURY UPDATE: Toulouse wing Yoann Huget has joined a growing injury list of players ruled out of France's June tour to New Zealand, the player announced on Twitter Tuesday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The 41-12 win over the Highlanders is far from enough for the Waratahs' who is targeting another win over a New Zealand side this upcoming weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: All Black Charles Piutau and Ireland's Bundee Aki have been ruled out of the Barbarians' clash against England at Twickenham on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: Fears that Wasps flank Jack Willis had seriously injured his knee during Saturday’s Premiership semifinal against Saracens were confirmed on Tuesday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Crusaders hooker Andrew Makalio has re-committed to the franchise for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

OPINION: After their fantastic win over the Bulls, the Jaguares are well represented in our Super Rugby Team of the Week for Round 14.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ulster have identified Springbok and Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies as the perfect 10 for the Pro14 side. 

NEWS: Stuart Berry, in his first season of PRO14 refereeing, will referee the PRO14 final between Leinster and the Scarlets at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: The reigning Champions Scarlets' mission to retain the Pro14 title has just become more challenging.

SUPER RUGBY OPINION: Have the Sharks found a winning recipe against New Zealand sides?

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls will be hoping that they will have their captain available for their clash against the Brumbies at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has called up 35 players to prepare for England’s match against the Barbarians on Sunday at Twickenham Stadium. 

#RACISM: While the spotlight was on Ashwin Willemse's infamous walk-out at the weekend, another incident almost slipped under the radar.

Paul Roos played Paarl Boys' High, who ruled  schools rugby in the Western Cape for three successive year, but in the Markötter Field in Stellenbosch Paul Roos made sure that that glorious Boys' High reign was over.

RACISM UPDATE: The feuding television analysts will be back, together, in the studio this coming Saturday.

Grey College marched from Bloemfontein up to Pretoria and was victorious, beating Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool 39-28.

REACTION: There finally appears to be a voice of reasoning in the infamous Ashwin Willemse studio walk-out saga.

On Saturday, 26 May 2018, Exeter will play Saracens in the final of England's premiership, and the man to referee it experienced Wayne Barnes.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester Rugby confirmed the news that South African lock Gerbrandt Grobler will move to Kingsholm from Munster ahead of the 2018-19 season.

NEWS: Harlequins confirmed that England defence coach Paul Gustard will join the London club as Head of Rugby, following the conclusion of England’s June tour to South Africa.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter praised a "glued together" performance after his team saw off Newcastle Falcons to reach their third successive Premiership final.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Bulls coach John Mitchell pulled no punches after his team's 24-54 loss to the Jaguares at the weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England U20s head coach Steve Bates has named his 28-man squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn was full of praise for prop Taniela Tupou, known as "the Tongan Thor", after his side's 34-38 loss to Hurricanes.

NEWS: Western Province coach John Dobson has been linked with a move to Pro14 Connacht, according to media reports in Ireland.

A new-look St Andrew’s College 1st XV travelled to East London on Saturday for what was always going to be a competitive fixture against a willing Cambridge team. 

MATCH REPORT: Hosts, the South African College High School (SACS), outscored visitors Stellenberg High four tries to three but ultimately lost the match 22-25.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Robbie Fleck's days as Stormers head coach must certainly be numbered after they hit a new low in Hong Kong.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Waratahs hooker Damien Fitzpatrick is confident his side can again produce the unthinkable when they travel to New Zealand to take on the Chiefs.

REACTION: Jaguares lock Guido Petti says their last four fixtures - two at home and two away against South African opponents - will "resemble finals" as they chase a first-ever play-offs place.  

REACTION: The years seem to have mellowed Tana Umaga whose line "it's not tiddlywinks mate" lives on in rugby folklore.

REACTION: Waratahs wing Cameron Clark says he has no hard feelings after being booted in the face karate-style by Highlanders wing Tevita Nabura.

NEWS: Harlequins are set to make an official announcement about their backroom staff on Monday amid reports Paul Gustard is in line to leave his post as England defence coach to join the London club.

NEWS: Test exile Chris Ashton will play against England when he lines up for the Barbarians in a non-cap international at Twickenham a week on Sunday.

REPORT: Craig Gilroy crossed for a double either side of the interval as Ulster downed Ospreys 35-17 in the European Champions Cup play-off at the Kingspan Stadium.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez believes his team's Super Rugby campaign is "back on track" following their 28-24 victory over the Chiefs in Durban on Saturday.

UPDATE: Brumbies lock Rory Arnold has been suspended for three weeks for foul play during his team's 24-42 loss to the Lions at Ellis Park.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The South African Sports Minister has released a statement after Springbok turned pundit Ashwin Willemse "walked off" live on air after an apparent row erupted relating to the Springbok quota system.

UPDATE: Crusaders prop Owen Franks has been suspended for two weeks for foul play during his team's victory over the Blues in Auckland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin once again heaped praise on his forward pack after their 42-24 victory over the Brumbies at Ellis Park on Saturday.

REACTION: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has cleared up questions regarding the omission of Hurricanes wing Ben Lam from the national squad to take on France next month.

REACTION: Brad Shields' decision to opt for an England jersey cost him a "probable" slot in the All Blacks, coach Steve Hansen said Sunday as two new loose forwards were selected for the New Zealand side.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: There are three new All Blacks in coach Steve Hansen's first squad for 2018.

TOP 14 WRAP: Castres set up a Top 14 semifinal against beaten European Champions Cup finalists Racing 92.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Jaguares continued their impressive run of form, putting more than 50 points past the Bulls on their way to a bonus-point win.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Tevita Nabura of the Highlanders is facing a lengthy ban, following his red card for foul play during his team's 12-41 loss to the Waratahs in a Super Rugby match at the weekend.

Once again, there were some big results in big matches this weekend.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Lions took full advantage of the Brumbies' poor discipline to record a bonus-point win at Ellis Park on Friday.

PRO14 REPORT: Jack Conan’s early try and a last-gasp defensive stand kept Leinster’s hopes of an historic double alive as they edged into the Final with an enthralling one-point (16-15) victory over old rivals Munster.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Joe Simmonds kicked 19 points as reigning champions Exeter Chiefs booked a return to Twickenham with a 36-5 semifinal victory over Newcastle Falcons.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sharks kept alive their play-off hopes with a hard-earned win over a very young and inexperienced Chiefs team.

NEWS: Another All Black finds himself in hot water for a cheap shot that went unpunished in the game.

REACTION: ‘International Rugby Players’ has called for administrators across the sport to learn valuable lessons from the recent Rugby Europe Championship fallout.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Saracens will finish their season at Twickenham next week, after easing past Wasps in the semifinal on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Waratahs 41-12 win over the Highlanders broke the 40-match winning streak New Zealand sides held over their trans-Tasman rivals Australia.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Despite having a dreadful season, the Blues managed to push the Crusaders all the way before the visitors claimed a 32-24 win at Eden Park on Saturday.

TOP 14 MATCH REPORT: Lyon reached the French Top 14 semi-finals for the first time on Friday despite drawing 19-19 with favourites Toulon, advancing courtesy of scoring two tries to their opponents' one.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT:  An impressive drop goal by Hayden Parker after the full-time hooter sounded gave Sunwolves a thrilling 26-23 win over the Stormers in Hong Kong.

PRO14 REPORT: Defending champions Scarlets secured another date with destiny in Dublin after a stunning first-half salvo helped them down Glasgow Warriors in the first Pro14 semifinal.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Barbarians have revealed their squad to face England at Twickenham on May 27.

NEWS: Five-time French champions Biarritz's continuing fall from grace saw them relegated Friday to the third division from the ProD2 because of financial problems

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan's coach said he had definitively shut the door on Ayumu Goromaru for next year's home World Cup, ending any hopes of a repeat of the 2015 heroics which made him a cult figure.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has backed Owen Farrell to have a similar impact as England captain to that of Australia great George Gregan.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck admits there are no easy Super Rugby games as they get ready to take on Sunwolves in their historic clash in Hong Kong.

Your rugby365com lesson: How to pretend to tackle a bigger player. The teacher: TJ Perenara.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares head coach Mario Ledesma was forced to tweak his side for the clash against the Bulls on Saturday.

RECRUITMENT NEWS: The future of the game in Pretoria looks great.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Records will tumble at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday when The Brumbies meet the Lions.

PREMIERSHIP SEMIFINAL: Newcastle Falcons are facing a mammoth task as they gear up for their first semifinal appearance against defending champions Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.

LISTEN as Lions coach Swys de Bruin gives the media an update on Springbok captain Warren Whiteley's injury and provides a possible return date.

WATCH as All Black captain Kieran Read gives the first indication as to when he will return to the playing field.

PREMIERSHIP SEMIFINAL: Saracens will feature in their 10th semifinal appearance when they host on Wasps at Allianz Park on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: It was a struggle, but the Hurricanes posted the 40th consecutive win by a New Zealand team over their trans-Tasman rivals Australia.

PRO14 SEMIFINAL: If you wondered if the heat had cooled from this age-old rivalry then the present day's affair should prove the folly in that argument. 

REFEREES DOMINATE THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealanders always put a special effort in to steal the limelight.

PREVIEW: The match in Krugersdorp on Saturday between Monument and Glenwood promises to be a thrilling encounter.

As they have been doing since 1911, Maritzburg College, mostly referred to as College, go down from their Pietermaritzburg home to Durban's Berea to play serious rivals Durban High School, mostly referred to as DHS or simply School.

This could be a great match - brilliant Grey against rapidly improving Affies at Affies, two great rugby schools.

Paarl Gim go east this weekend to play Oakdale in Riversdale in what should be a good contest between top teams.

World Rugby has appointed Freek Burger of South Africa's to be the citing commissioner at all three of France's Tests in New Zealand.

Boland Landbou leave the Farm and march on Bishops for 16 rugby matches on Saturday. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Chiefs have made seven changes to their team for the Super Rugby clash against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

LISTEN as Sharks flyhalf Robert du Preez talks about last week's loss and looks forward to facing the Chiefs.

PRO14 SEMIFINAL: Defending champions Scarlets face a massive challenge in Glasgow when they face the Warriors in the first Pro14 semifinal on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have made a surprise selection in their midfield for Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Brumbies at Ellis Park.

NEWS: Gloucester could face a tough time staying within the Premiership salary cap next season, per a report on GloucestershireLive.co.uk, following a flurry of transfer activity.

TRANSFER NEWS: Munster and the IRFU confirmed the one-year signing of South African back row Arno Botha.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has advised discarded playmaker Quade Cooper to leave the Queensland Reds or he won’t be picked for the Wallabies.

The @rugby365com team welcomes back our Irish friend Ian Cameron to talk Euro Cup and welcomes on board a retired Springbok flyhalf.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks team announced on Thursday for the Chiefs match shows little change from the team that lost to the Bulls in Pretoria last week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has made a few changes to his team for their trip to Sydney to face the Waratahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues has a more settled and experienced look to its team to take on the Crusaders in the Super Rugby clash at Eden Park on Saturday.  

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sunwolves head coach Jamie Joseph has made six changes to his starting XV for their Super Rugby Round 14 clash against the Stormers in Hong Kong.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Handre Pollard will lead the Bulls in Buenos Aires when they take on the Jaguares in their crucial Super Rugby clash at Estadio Jose Amalfitani.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named his starting side for Blues match, which features six changes and one positional switch from the side that took the field against the Waratahs on Saturday. 

NEWS: Newcastle's Vereniki Goneva has been voted as the English Premiership's Player of the Year at the competition's Rugby Awards ceremony.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have made three personnel changes to the starting XV which lost to the Sunwolves last weekend and a further three to the reserves for their Super Rugby Round 14 clash against the Hurricanes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Chris van Zyl will captain the Stormers in their encounter with the Sunwolves in Hong Kong on Saturday.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY: The opening salvos in this week's fixtures will pit title contenders against no-hopers.

TRANSFER NEWS: Stade Francais head coach Heyneke Meyer has announced the signing of Argentinian international flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez for next season.

UPDATE: The three men who verbally abused Eddie Jones outside a railway station in Manchester following England’s loss to Scotland in the Six Nations have appeared in court.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Ospreys have made Argentine loose forward Guido Volpi their latest recruit after he impressed on trial with the Region last month.

REACTION: Lions defence coach Joey Mongalo will defend claims of an alleged assault of a hotel worker in Coogee last month.

REACTION: Romania are determined to appeal a World Rugby ruling that saw them disqualified from next year's World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: While the central contracts for Tadhg Furlong and Rob Kearney have already been announced, Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen confirmed that an additional 19 contracts have been signed as Leinster continue to build for the future.

NEWS: Super Rugby winner and former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer lured a trusted former assistant back from soccer.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens announced that Argentinian prop Juan Figallo has extended his contract at the club until 2021.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The rest of the world is as puzzled as ever, but Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has some clarity on the process of dealing with refereeing blunders.

NEWS: It may be a coincidence, but the change of Gloucester's logo coincides with the arrival of more of Johan Ackermann's former Lions players at the West Country club.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Sonny Bill Williams returned to the Blues starting line up against the Hurricanes and put in an inspired performance.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has made two changes to the starting XV for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT:  On the back of the Jaguares’ successful tour to Australasia, the Argentina-based team is on track to make their first appearance in the Super Rugby finals since the team’s formation in 2016.

COACHING NEWS: The announcement of the Blues' coaching staff for 2019 has raised more than just a few eyebrows.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Newcastle Falcons loose forward Mark Wilson says his side are relishing the 'underdog tag' ahead of their first ever Premiership Semifinal.

SCHOOLS RANKINGS: Upsets, or perhaps just surprises, seem to be the hallmark of this season. Waterkloof provided one this week.

TEAMS ANNOUNCEMENT: Scrumhalf Thomas Perenara will return to the Hurricanes starting line-up for the Super Rugby Round 14 encounter with the Reds.

Again we publish in the order in which he receive the results and again we put the source first. We have Hilton first though they played up in Pretoria and Wynberg first though they played over in Port Elizabeth.

NEWS: Six Nations Grand Slam champions Ireland will return to the scene of their famous victory over the All Blacks when they face Italy at Chicago's Soldier Field in November, it was announced on Tuesday.  

NEWS: Russia have been awarded a place at the 2019 World Cup in Japan after World Rugby sensationally disqualified Spain, Romania and Belgium, the Rugby Union international governing body said on Tuesday.

REACTION: Danny Cipriani says he decided to sign for English Premiership side Gloucester once he earned a recall to the England squad for the first time in three years.

NEWS: A second visiting English amateur rugby player has died in a Sri Lankan hospital after visiting a nightclub and police are now investigating the circumstances, a spokesman said Tuesday.

OPINION: The King and All Black great Carlos Spencer has returned to rugby and will join the Hurricanes coaching staff as an assistant in 2019.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach John Mitchell named a squad of 26 players to travel to Buenos Aires, where they will meet the Jaguares in Super Rugby clash on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: After a grueling seeason Saracens will make their 10th semifinal appearance when their host Wasps at the Allianz Park on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Clermont's France flyhalf Camille Lopez should be back for his club's pre-season in July after having a plate removed from his ankle on Tuesday.

OPINION: Kiwi players continue their dominance in our Super Rugby Team of the Week for Round 13.

The most interesting appointment is that of Stuart Berry to a PRO14 semifinal. 

INJURY UPDATE: Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of Scarlets' Pro14 semi-final clash against Glasgow Warriors on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Waratahs centre Kurtley Beale is keen to move on from the controversial defeat at the hands of the Crusaders last weekend.

TRANSFER NEWS: Premiership club Wasps have announced the signing of Maori All Black Ambrose Curtis.

TRANSFER NEWS: Highlanders have the signed two more players for the coming seasons.

NEWS: France lock Yoann Maestri has pulled out of a deal to join La Rochelle from Toulouse in favour of joining Top 14 rivals Stade Francais, French media reported.

NEWS: Former Highlanders flank Shane Christie has retired due to ongoing issues suffered from a concussion during the 2016 season.

INJURY UPDATE: Blues and All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu will miss the upcoming three-Test series against France due to a shoulder injury.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Sharks are not the most consistent team and disciplinary lapses remain an issue.

NEWS: The Chiefs will be without 20 players for their Super Rugby clash against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The New Zealand government revealed Tuesday it has examined the possibility of setting up a Pacific islands Super Rugby team, reportedly to help offset China's rising influence in the region.

INJURY UPDATE: Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw has been ruled out of Leinster’s Pro14 semifinal clash with Munster this coming weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: Henry Trinder and Marland Yarde have been called up into England's training squad for this week's camp in Brighton.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand great Dan Carter, who missed out on a European Champions Cup triumph this past weekend, is in a race to be fit for the French Top 14 play-offs.

INJURY UPDATE: New Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was dealt another cruel blow, as his key players continue to suffer long-term injuries.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stuart Berry of South Africa has been appointed to referee one of the Pro14 tournament's semifinals.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Fresh from being crowned the European Champions Cup Champions, Leinster coach Leo Cullen has warned his side against Munster's prowess.

Graeme College's senior school headed to East London, where they played Port Rex. There were some tightly contested games throughout the day, culminating with the Graeme 1st XV match, which they won 22-10.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Exeter Chiefs are wary of Newcastle Falcons' attacking prowess ahead of their Premiership semifinal at Sandy Park on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's best exports, who have carved up the Premiership, are in line to win the competition's top awards.,

OPINION: Following his recall to the England team last week, Danny Cipriani has joined Gloucester, with the club announcing his signing on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The South African Rugby Union has successfully managed to sabotage one of the most revered competitions in the world - the Currie Cup.

Dale played ancient rivals Queen's on the Graveyard field in King William's Town, on a day when Dale celebrated their reunion. Dale won 29-10.

NEWS: Highlanders loose forward Elliot Dixon is set to join Japan Top League side Ricoh Black Rams at the conclusion of the Super Rugby season, essentially withdrawing his name from All Blacks contention.

TRANSFER NEWS: England flyhalf Danny Cipriani has signed a new contract with Premiership side Gloucester.

TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints confirmed the signing of England international and British & Irish Lion James Haskell from Wasps.

Hoërskool Monument and Hoërskool Waterkloof met in Krugersdorp, under the eye of the monument which gave the great rugby school its name,  and, against all expectations, Klofies won 28-26 on Ras van Rooyen Field.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South African born and former Kearsney pupil James Miller is set to play at the 2018 World Rugby U20 Championships for Scotland.

REACTION: Sunwolves flank Michael Leitch believes their first win of the season - a 63-28 crushing of the Queensland Reds in Tokyo - will provide a timely springboard for Japan's 2019 World Cup preparations.

INJURY UPDATE: He might not be ready for the for New Zealand's June Test Series, however seeing the All Black skipper Kieran Read training with the Crusaders is certainly a good sight for franchise and country.

REACTION: As if crashing to their fourth straight loss wasn't bad enough for the Brumbies, they did it on a frigid Canberra day and in front of one of their lowest ever crowds - just 5 283.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia is facing major problems at the moment and the light at the end of the tunnel might just be an oncoming train.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Clayton Blommetjies has been on the fringes of the South African national team, but has decided to turn his back on the Springboks.

VIDEO: All the post-match reaction, celebrations and match highlights after Leinster secured their fourth European Cup at the weekend.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby Stephen Hoiles believes that Australian Super Rugby teams need to get better at cheating if they are to compete with New Zealand sides.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Leone Nakarawa has been rewarded for an outstanding European campaign by being named EPCR European Player of the Year for 2018.

OPINION: Leinster claimed their fourth Champions Cup title with a narrow 15-12 win over Racing at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.

The South African College High School (SACS) played their first home league match of the season against Durbanville High. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England are coming off three successive Six Nations defeats but Schalk Brits makes Eddie Jones’s men favourite to win next month’s Test series in South Africa.  

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers left South Africa on Sunday, destined for Tokyo, without the services of their first-choice flyhalf.

In their first fixture against Daniël Pienaar for a number of years, the St Andrew's College 1st XV ran out 43-7 winners in what was a physical, stop start affair on Lower Field on Saturday. 

SUPER RUGBY DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The Crusaders have paid the price for the cheat shot executed by one of their All Blacks, in the win over the Waratahs at the weekend.

LISTEN as Lions coach Swys de Bruin expresses his feelings after a 'bitterly disappointing' loss to the Highlanders at the weekend.

NEWS: Crusaders prop Joe Moody has been cited for alleged foul play during his side's historic Super Rugby victory over the Waratahs on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa suffered a major blow on Saturday with Patrick Lambie limping off in Racing 92’s 12-15 Champions Cup Final defeat to Leinster.

There were Classic Clashes and a Premier Interschools matches. Pretoria Boys High went down to Hilton, Grey Bloem went down to East London, and Wynberg and Boland Landbou went east to Port Elizabeth.

REPORT: Grenoble returned to the French Top 14 at the first attempt by beating Oyonnax 47-22 on Saturday in a play-off.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Two late Isa Nacewa penalties saw Leinster beat Racing 92 15-12 to claim a record-equalling fourth European title at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Bulls recorded a valuable 39-33 win over Conference rivals the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Stormers suffered their first home defeat of the season when they went down 9-15 to the Chiefs at Newlands on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Melbourne Rebels sealed a dramatic 27-24 win over the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Lions suffered their third consecutive defeat after going down to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Sunwolves claim their first victory of the season after a 63-28 demolition of a horrendous Reds team in Tokyo on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: A late penalty try made sure the Crusaders record a narrow 31-29 win over the Waratahs at the AMI Stadium on Saturday.

REACTION: South African Under-20 coach Chean Roux lauded his team's character after they produced an admirable team effort to defeat England 26-12 on Friday.

REACTION: Gloucester - nor many of their fans for that matter - are happy with referee Jerome Garces’ performance in the Challenge Cup final at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP FINAl: Leinster beware of the “octopus hands” that are hoping to wreck your march to a fourth Champions Cup title.

CHALLENGE CUP FINAL REPORT: Cardiff, already the only Welsh team to win a European title, added a second in Bilbao on Friday.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL: Jonathan Sexton has a vast medal haul, but Ireland’s 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam winning flyhalf admits he still struggles with nerves ahead of big games.

NEWS: After a lacklustre year for Connacht, Kieran Keane has become the lastest underperforming headcoach to be given the axe.

TRANSFER NEWS: Nili Latu will call time on his stay at Newcastle Falcons when the current season ends, with the Tongan back-rower returning to play in Japan.

TRANSFER NEWS: Dai Young has announced that he has added five new players to Wasps squad for the 2018/19 season.

On Saturday, everybody will know that the FNB Classic Clash between Hoërskool Upington and Hoërskool Duineveld, Uppies vs Velties, is taking place. It is the Klein Interjol with the Interjol to comer in October.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies playmaker Christian Lealiifano's one-month enforced rest has prepared him well for the Rebels, however not quite ready for the June Test series.

SCHOOLS PREVIEW: This is the day when Itembelihle meet Ndzondelelo in Port Elizabeth, a day of tension with drum majorettes, singing and rugby tension. 

CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL: Spain becomes the sixth country to host Europe’s showpiece club match when Leinster Rugby take on Racing 92 in the Champions Cup final on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks head coach Johan 'Rassie' Erasmus has been given the freedom to select overseas-based players ahead of next year's World Cup in Japan.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: the Hurricanes finished strongly to defeat the Blues 36-15 at Eden Park Friday and move to the top of the Super Rugby ladder.

REACTION: England's rush to select Hurricanes captain Brad Shields smacks of desperation and shows Eddie Jones' men are vulnerable, All Blacks great Justin Marshall said Friday.

CONFERENCE STRUCTURE UNDER FIRE: The list of high-profile figures criticising the tournament structure is growing at an alarming rate.

LISTEN as Sharks loose forward Dan du Preez talks about the crucial Round 13 Super Rugby encounter with the Bulls.

Hoërskool Monument of Krugersdorp play host to Hoërskool Waterkloof of Pretoria, two strong South African schools.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck named an unchanged matchday squad for the Super Rugby clash against the Chiefs at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: South African-born French international Scott Spedding, who has taken the French league to court, has signed with Castres for next season, the club announced Thursday.

CHALLENGE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Cardiff Blues head coach Danny Wilson is predicting "a really exciting game" when his side take on Gloucester in this season's European Rugby Challenge Cup Final in Bilbao on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Listen to Lions coach Swys de Bruin, as he explains why he made several changes to his team for their final Super Rugby tour match - against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach John Mitchell has tweaked his team for their Super Rugby Round 13 clash against the Sharks in Pretoria on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has made a few changes to his starting XV for their Super Rugby Round 13 clash against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: As well as club success with Racing, Patrick Lambie is also desperate to play for the Springboks again in time for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.

Is Peter de Villiers making progress in Zimbabwe? The answer to that and many other questions are provided by the @rugby365com team.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have made six changes to their starting XV from the side that lost to the Hurricanes two weeks ago for their clash against the Reds in Tokyo.

In many, many places there is a feeling of relief about this match, an FNB Classic Clash between Dale and Queen's in King William's Town.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks team named to take on the Bulls in Saturday's Super Rugby showdown at Loftus shows little change to the side that so emphatically defeated the Highlanders last week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Wallabies representative Semisi Tupou will make his first start as one of three changes to the Melbourne Rebels' on-field line-up, when they take on the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones has named a few bolters in his 34-man squad to tour South Africa - for a three-Test series in June.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Four changes are made to the Brumbies starting XV for the crunch match against the Melbourne Rebels at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has made two changes to his starting line-up ahead of Saturday's Round 13 clash against the Crusaders at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named an all-new front row ahead of his side's Super Rugby match the Waratahs at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle says the performance of the country's Super Rugby teams is not good enough and the tournament needs to be more competitive to flourish.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have made three personnel changes to the starting XV for their clash against the Sunwolves in Tokyo.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has made minimal changes to his team for their Super Rugby Round 13 clash against the Lions in Dunedin on Saturday.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said Thursday they will grant Hurricanes captain Brad Shields a release to play for England in South Africa next month but were unhappy with how the matter had been handled.

SOUTH AFRICAN CONUNDRUM: New Zealand officials have gone on the charm offensive, ahead of this week's fixtures.

NEWS: Former England defence coach Andy Farrell won’t be leaving Ireland anytime soon, at least not until the end of the Rugby World Cup Japan.

REVEALED: The Hurricanes have finalised their coaching team for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

The heart of this matter is losing the ball/not having control/knocking on. rugby365's law guru Paul Dobson bring clarity to decisions that puzzle us.

OPINION: Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim look at a possible replacement for the injured Malcolm Marx in the Springbok team.

INJURY UPDATE: France's June Test Series against World Cup Champions New Zealand just got more challenging.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: To say there has been a major clearout at Northampton Saints would be an understatement.

TRANSFER NEWS: Samoan international lock Brandon Nansen has signed for Dragons on a two-year contract.

OPINION: Hurricanes winger Ben Lam has been a revelation this season, but looks unlikely to be in the All Black’s thinking for June.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps director of rugby Dai Young has taken another step towards finalising his squad for next season by confirming the departure of four players, including former Chiefs Matt Symons,  when their contracts expire at the end of the current season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Reds head coach Brad Thorn revealed he wouldn't prevent Quade Cooper from heading to another Super Rugby franchise.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Fresh from victory at the Oceania Rugby U20 Championship, New Zealand Under-20 head coach Craig Philpott has named the squad that will travel to France to defend the World Rugby Championship later this month.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Saturday's Champions Cup Final promises to be a mouthwatering affair, between two giants of Europe.

There was lots of rugby action at schools this weekend after the long weekend. Here we bring you results of the matches between two schools, not just the 1st XV matches.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Vice-captain Thomas Perenara will make his comeback to the Hurricanes squad via the bench on Friday against the Blues at Eden Park.

BREAKING NEWS: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was dealt a massive blow ahead of his first Test in charge.

RANKINGS: Surely in the history of schools rugby in South Africa there has never been a day like last Saturday in Paarl when 1 played 2 and 3 played 4 - two brilliant matches.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues' All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams returns to the starting XV for the Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes on Friday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders just seem to do the little things better than any team, but it’s the continual innovation that keeps the side in title contention year after year.

REACTION: Two key players for the Crusaders and All Blacks have opted for loyalty over the lure of big money in Europe.

REACTION: Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux praised his team’s commitment as they produced another solid performance on their UK tour to defeat Wales Under-20 41-5 at Cardiff Arms Park on Tuesday.

NEWS: All Blacks prop Ofa Tuungafasi will play for the Blues and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) until the end of 2021.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors confirmed that 15 first-team players will be leaving the club in the off-season.

All eyes are on Spain this weekend, Bilbao in the Basque country to be more precise, as there are three big finals taking place there.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers are confident that their captain will be fit to face the Chiefs at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: The BlitzBoks will be without key forwards Kyle Brown and Tim Agaba when they re-assemble in Stellenbosch on Monday for the final two tournaments of the 2017/18 World Rugby Sevens Series, in London (June 2-3) and Paris (June 8-10).

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Dragons lock Cory Hill and Cardiff Blues flank Ellis Jenkins were Tuesday named as co-captains for Wales's Test matches against South Africa and Argentina next month.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A 29-man travelling Chiefs squad has touched down in South Africa ahead of the two-game South African tour against the Stormers and Sharks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester Rugby and Cardiff Blues will go head-to-head in search of European glory in the Challenge Cup final on Friday, May 11.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Gregor Townsend named six uncapped players in a 33-man Scotland squad for the tour to Canada, USA and Argentina next month.

OPINION: After hammering the Melbourne Rebels in their own backyard, players from the Crusaders dominate our Super Rugby Round 12 Team of the Week.

WATCH as a Curwin Bosch sidestep, which fooled half of the Kings Park Stadium, helped Sharks record a convincing victory over the Highlanders on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Melbourne Rebels’ recent debutant Nathan Charles said he side will bounce back when they take on Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After England's dismal Six Nations campaign, Eddie Jones has finally admitted that he needs some extra help for their upcoming Test Series against the Springboks in June.

NEWS: Controversial Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has reportedly spoken with Reds head coach Brad Thorn about joining the Queensland Reds in 2019 according to the Daily Telegraph.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In a new series rugby365 offers readers a chance to air their views in a column. Roy Robertson gets the first crack.

NEWS: The Highlanders have announced the signing of two players for 2019 and 2020.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls received a timely boost ahead of their crucial Super Round 13 encounter with the Sharks.

Glenwood extended their unbeaten run by beating Affies 37-34 in a nine-try thriller in Pretoria on Saturday.

In part three of the Dan Carter interview, he recalls his workout with the New England Patriots and talks about the difficulties in becoming an NFL kicker.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: While the debate over who should don the Springboks No.10 jersey heats up as the June test window nears, one player has separated himself from the pack.

A powerful second half at HTS Daniël Pienaar gave Die Brandwag a 26-10 win over Daniël Pienaar who had led 10-5 at half-time.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger will hope his side minimize their error count ahead of the clash with the Lions.

The crowd was certainly entertained when Kearsney hosted one of their biggest traditional rivals at the weekend, with both teams prepared to give the ball some air. 

INJURY UPDATE: Leinster are set to have scrumhalf Luke McGrath available for their Champions Cup Final clash against Racing 92 in Bilbao, Spain on Saturday.

NEWS: SA Rugby welcomed its successful achievement of its targets in the latest report of the Eminent Persons Group on Transformation in Sport (EPG), released in Pretoria on Monday.

NEWS: The Sunwolves have lost one of their best players for the rest of the current Super Rugby season.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: It is not desperation stage yet, but the Lions are determined to bounce back after a second loss on tour.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez was full of praise after his side's impeccable performance against the Highlanders.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Kurtley Beale's baffling decision to cross-kick to Israel Folau in the final minute of the Waratahs' 21-24 loss to the Blues was down to mistakenly believing his team had a penalty advantage.

NEWS: Highlanders have announced the re-signing of several players for 2019.

On Saturday, in an FNB Classic Clash, St Andrew's hosted and beat old neighbours Graeme College 34-14. Both schools sent in match reports.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Jaguares coach Mario Ledesma is attempting to keep a lid on hopes of a place in the finals for the first time after the Argentines upset the Chiefs 23-19 to notch four straight wins on the road.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: A hat-trick for Ben Lam against the Lions saw the Hurricanes' flyer soar ahead on the top try scorer's list with 12, three more than the next best Emiliano Boffelli from the Jaguares.

REACTION: Super Rugby's governing body SANZAAR have issued a statement amid conflicting reports of potential competition expansion or reduction – namely from South African teams – that have been 'taken out of context'.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Blues’ flyhalf stocks are set to take another hit as Bryn Gatland is set for a move to the south according to the media reports.

TOP 14 WRAP: Racing 92 booked the rights to host a semifinal with an impeccable  42-13 win over Agen.

Playing at home after a fixture switch due to construction work taking place at SACS, Diocesan College (Bishops) outlasted The South African College High School (SACS) in a tightly contested war of attrition to win by 19-7 (halftime 5-7).

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As many as three South African sides could be on the verge of making the switch to European Rugby.

At last, after three whole seasons, Paarl Boys' High have had their record for an extended run of matches broken by a South African school, and it happened on their own Brug Street field in Paarl.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France lock Arthur Iturria has pulled out of a training camp for a tour to New Zealand and been replaced by Clermont teammate Paul Jedrasiak, the French team announced.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Bulls head coach John Mitchell revealed that there were a few referee decisions that were challenging to accept.

Paul Roos Gymnasium beat Paarl Gimnasium 32-13 in Paarl on Saturday morning.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Stormers coach Robbie Fleck believes his side are finally hitting their straps after the impressive 29-17 win over the Bulls on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: South Africa's Schalk Brits could be denied the chance of one last home match in front of the Saracens' faithful after suffering a hamstring injury in the European champions' final game of the regular English Premiership season on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: When the Chiefs depart for Cape Town on Sunday, captain Sam Cane won’t be joining them.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Sharks captain Ruan Botha has been issued a warning for an alleged foul play during his team's 38-12 win over the Highlanders.

Ratu Kadavulevu School in Lodoni, one of the biggest boardinbg schools in Fiji, has won the 19th annual Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament.

What happened in two matches in Paarl registered on the Richter scale of schools rugby.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: The semifinals were finalised on Saturday, as three of the qualifiers boosted wins and one advanced despite losing.

PRO14 REPORT: The Scarlets humiliated the Cheetahs in the quarterfinal at Parc Y Scarlets on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sharks produced arguably their best performance of the year to send the Highlanders packing in Durban on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Simon Zebo marked his final appearance at Thomond Park in style, creating the crucial try as Munster set up a mouth-watering semifinal showdown with Leinster by edging past Edinburgh 20-16.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions' 19-28 loss to the to the Hurricanes had come at a cost for the Springboks.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Stormers maintained their unbeaten record at home, when they bullied the Bulls into submission on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Blues recorded only their third win of the season when they narrowly beat the Waratahs 24-21 at the Brookvale Oval on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Wing Ben Lam scored a hat-trick of tries to help the Hurricanes record a 28-19 win over the Lions at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.

REPORT: Billionaire Western Force owner Andrew Forrest has delivered on his promise to make rugby more exciting after the inaugural World Series Rugby season kicked off on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales No.8 Taulupe Faletau has agreed on a long-term contract extension with Bath, the English Premiership club announced.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Iconic French flyhalf Frederic Michalak says he has no regrets ahead of his last Top 14 home tie with Lyon on Saturday as the self-described "artist" prepares for retirement at the age of 35.

The South African Under-20 started their three-match tour of the UK with a convincing 41-3 victory over Scotland in Edinburgh on Friday, 4 May 2018.

INJURY UPDATE: The Wallabies could take on the Six Nations champions Ireland without experienced scrumhalf Will Genia.

It's an FNB Classic Clash in Grahamstown, a city of clergymen, legal men and teachers, once a border town, now a restful place of steady pace.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheetahs head coach Rory Duncan has made a few changes to his starting XV from last week for their Pro14 semifinal Qualifier against the Scarlets in Wales. 

Near neighbours in Uitenhage, HTS Daniël Pienaar and Hoërskool Die Brandwag meet in an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.

NEWS: Ulster back row forward Robbie Diack has announced his intention to return to South Africa at the end of the current season.

PRO14 SEMIFINAL QUALIFIER: This is a mouth-watering pairing and a match-up that could create memories that last for many years to come as the defending champions take on the Cheetahs. 

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders scored six second-half tries in a masterclass of professionalism, as they blew the Rebels away.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It’s 21 rounds down and just one to go in Premiership Rugby arguably the most exciting day of the season – as all 12 teams are in action at the same time.

What a day for Paarl! Over at Gim, one plays 2 and down at Brug Street 3 plays 4.

PRO14 SEMIFINAL QUALIFIER: Thomond Park will be a formidable battleground for Richard Cockerill's Edinburgh team who come into this qualifier game against Munster after a superb season. 

NEWS: Ireland and Ulster wing Andrew Trimble announced he will retire at the end of the season.

TOP 14 SPOTLIGHT: First and last have been settled, but there is plenty at stake in the last Top 14 league round, particularly for the Paris clubs, one chasing glory the other flirting with disaster.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Jaguares recording a historic sweep on their tour of Australasia - the first team to do so.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has made only a couple of changes to his starting side for their Super Rugby clash against the Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday.

TRANS-TASMAN STREAK: The Waratahs could have done without the stag-party antics of Wallaby Nick Phipps before they try to end the drought of Australian sides against New Zealand opposition in Sydney on Saturday.

The prospect of this match is in itself exciting. It is a match to catch the imagination and enjoy wide interest.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two key members of the Stormers team will reach milestones when they host the Bulls in a Super Rugby Round 12 encounter at Newlands on Saturday.

Former All Black Charles Piutau is to set to make his international return next month, lining up for the Barbarians when they take on England on May 27.

NEWS: Wing Tim Visser has called time on his Scotland career, announcing his retirement from international rugby.

REACTION: The Golden Lions Rugby Union will let the law 'take its course', as an alleged racial incident in a club game continues to escalate on social media.

In a move that emphasises the importance of referees in the rugby game New Zealand has added two new managers to its existing two.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin has made a number of changes to his starting XV for their Super Rugby clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday. 

There are three European finals on the second weekend of May. The men to referee them are Wayne Barnes of England, Jérôme Garcès of France and Ben Whitehouse of Wales.

NEWS: Northampton Saints confirmed that fullback Ben Foden will be leaving the club at the end of the 2017/18 season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made three changes to his starting XV for their clash against the Highlanders at Kings Park on Saturday.

NEWS: Melbourne Rebels prop, Jermaine Ainsley and young centre, Semisi Tupou have secured their futures in Melbourne, re-signing with the franchise for the next seasons.

The @rugby365com team welcomes a special guest, Geraint Powell, as we look forward to the Cheetahs' historic appearance in the Pro14 play-offs.

NEWS: Super Rugby chiefs are reportedly considering expanding into the United States, undeterred by their previous failed attempt to increase the Southern Hemisphere competition to 18 teams.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd has made four changes to the starting side which beat the Sunwolves for their Super Rugby Round 12 clash against the Lions in Wellington.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues welcome back the experience of captain Augustine Pulu, Patrick Tuipulotu and Jerome Kaino to their starting line-up for the Super Rugby match against the Waratahs in Sydney.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia fullback Israel Folau will return from injury for the Waratahs this weekend in his first match since he caused a storm with anti-gay comments.

WINNING AND LOSING STREAKS: Cliches can be irritating, but they also hold tremendous value.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy captain Sergio Parisse has been rested for next month's tour of Japan, coach Conor O'Shea confirmed.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: When Springbok centre Francois Venter leads out the Cheetahs against the Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, it will be a new chapter in the game.

UPDATE: English Premiership side Sale have denied reports that they planned to offer former Ireland flyhalf Paddy Jackson and centre Stuart Olding a chance to resurrect their careers.

Hoërskool Framesby of Port Elizabeth lost their second match at the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament, being played in Fukuoka, Japan. 

Hilton hosted Kearsney for the first of a double header for 2018 season in overcast and windy conditions.  

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Sharks centre Marius Louw is full of confidence that his side have the mental capacity to outwit the Highlanders on Saturday in Durban.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks rank right up there with the best in terms of clean breaks and defenders beaten.

TRANSFER NEWS: Melbourne Rebels have boosted their hooker stocks with the signing of Nathan Charles from Premiership side Bath.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have changed up their team for the big north-south derby, when they face the Stormers in a Super Rugby Round 12 match.

There is the final of Pro D2 in France with Cyril Lafon of Lyon, a scientist involved in medical research, to redferee it.

TRANSFER NEWS: Dean Richards' achievement in guiding Newcastle Falcons to their highest Premiership finish in two decades has earned the former England back-row great a new three-year contract.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A new-look Wallabies jersey for the 2018 international season has been unveiled, featuring a traditional twist on a modern design.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Jaguares have opted to bench Argentinian international Agustin Creevy for their Super Rugby match against the Chiefs on Friday.

In the second edition of the RugbyPass Legends series, we sit down for a three-part sit down interview with the hero of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and All Blacks great, Dan Carter.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels welcome back experienced scrumhalf, Will Genia, as one of six changes to their starting XV against the Crusaders at AAMI Park.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Chiefs, coming off a bye after a strong win against the Reds, are gearing up to face the in-form Jaguares in Rotorua this Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Future Hurricanes coach John Plumtree could not contain his excitement as lock Sam Lousi has extended his contract with the franchise until the end of 2019.

RANKINGS: The panel that chooses the Top 20, would like to send out a Mayday signal, for they are all at sea after the seismic upheavals of the past long weekend.  

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders have made significant changes to their team for their Super Rugby Round 12 clash with the Rebels on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: PRO14 Rugby is responsible for ranking seven teams to qualify for the European Champions Cup each season.

NEWS: World Rugby is allowing a major new shake-up of laws for matches involving Western Force, one of which is very familiar to South African teams at Varsity Cup level.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Munster coach Johann van Graan is fully aware that the Pro14 giants' chance of winning the title is far from guaranteed.

OPINION: Players from New Zealand make up almost half of our selections for our Super Rugby Team of the Week for Round 11.

TRANSFER NEWS: With Wales international scrumhalf Aled Davies heading across the Loughor to join the Ospreys for the 2018-19 season the Scarlets have looked to bolster the squad with experience and exciting young talent.

TRANSFER NEWS: Waratahs openside flank Will Miller will remain playing his rugby in New South Wales.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: With the Bulls arriving in Cape Town this week, the Stormers might be tempted to bolster their front row stocks with the inclusion of Springbok prop Frans Malherbe.

The Klein Karroo Tournament, hosted by Oudtshoorn High, ended on Monday, 30 April 2018.

OPINION: England coach Eddie Jones could find themselves in an uphill battle when his side take on the Springboks in a three-Test Series in June.

REACTION: Wallabies and Waratahs scrumhalf Nick Phipps admitted he was "a bloody idiot" and apologised Tuesday after being kicked out of a pub for urinating on the bar.

INJURY UPDATE: Toulon could be without Argentine international Facundo Isa for the Top 14 play-offs as the back row forward has a sprained knee, the club said on Monday.

UPDATE: Eight players thrown off France's Six Nations squad for partying into the small hours following a defeat to Scotland will face no further action, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) said Monday.

NEWS: France lock Sebastien Vahaamahina could miss the June tour to New Zealand if National Rugby League (LNR) disciplinary officials suspend the Pacific islander in relation to incidents while playing for Top 14 club Clermont.

UPDATE: Brumbies wing Chance Peni was handed a five-week ban Tuesday after pleading guilty to making a dangerous tackle in his side's 8-21 loss to the Crusaders on Saturday.

The wind dropped on Day 2 and the play lifted.

INJURY UPDATE: There was a mixed bag on the news front as the Bulls started their preparation for the big north-south derby against the Stormers.

Day 3 of the Wildeklawer Tournament in Kimberley was an exhibition of great schools rugby, climaxing in a thrilling encounter between Paarl Boys' High and Affies of Pretoria.

INJURY UPDATE: Back row forward Louis Picamoles will miss France's tour to New Zealand in June because he needs an operation.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions will need to make a massive step up when they head across the Tasman Sea this week for the New Zealand leg of their tour.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ulster have finally found Jono Gibbes' successor, after months of speculations.

INJURY UPDATE: France's Fiji-born back Virimi Vakatawa will miss the June tour to New Zealand after lining up a post-season operation on his groin, his Racing 92 club said on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The New South Wales Waratahs have a great chance to end Australia's trans-Tasman misery next weekend against the ailing Blues.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Junior Springboks head coach Chean Roux has handed the captain's armband to natural 'born leader' Stormers lock Salmaan Moerat.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Referee Paul Williams' decision not to award the Jaguares a penalty try on half-time in their clash with the Blues baffled the Argentines at the time but ultimately proved a catalyst for their storming second half.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions have lost another star player to Johan Ackermann's Gloucester side.

INJURY UPDATE: Taleni Seu has become the latest Chiefs player to sustained a season-ending injury.

UPDATE: The Welsh Rugby Union have confirmed that the June Test between Wales and South Africa  in Washington DC will go ahead despite reports the game could be scrapped over disappointing ticket sales.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australian international winger Etonia Nabuli penned a one-year deal with Bordeaux on Sunday after agreeing to leave Queensland Reds, the French Top 14 club announced.

INJURY UPDATE: Racing 92's hopes of a Top 14 and European Champions Cup double suffered a setback.

REACTION: Former All Blacks lock Brad Thorn is making his mark on the Reds, highlighted by their gritty 27-22 win over South Africa's table-topping Lions in Brisbane on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: George Kruis has been ruled out of England's tour of South Africa by his club boss at Saracens, Mark McCall.

TOP 14 SUNDAY WRAP: Racing 92 added gloss to their recently-acquired play-off berth status in France's Top 14 with a bonus-point 39-15 victory at Bordeaux on Sunday.

PREMIERSHIP SUNDAY WRAP: Wasps booked their place in the Premiership semifinals in thrilling fashion as Christian Wade crossed twice in a 36-29 win over Northampton Saints.

In the Super Rugby Round 11 match between the Stormers and the Rebels, a player passed the ball into the referee. rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at the incident.

DAY TWO WRAP: Olympic champions Fiji stormed to victory in a dramatic final at the Singapore Sevens on Sunday, narrowly edging out a captainless Australia 28-22 to go top of the circuit table.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck is still confident about his team's chances of making this year's Super Rugby play-offs. 

REACTION: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin believe this side didn't show enough desire to win during their match against the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Montpellier booked their place in the French Top 14 semifinals on Saturday with a six-try 45-13 victory over Pau while three-time European champions Toulon wrapped up a play-off spot.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Daily Telegraph have reported that the Rugby Football Union are targeting both Warren Gatland and Joe Schmidt as potential successors to Eddie Jones at the helm of the England set-up.

INJURY UPDATE: All Black and Crusaders star Israel Dagg is set for another spell on the sidelines after getting injured in his side's 21-8 win over the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Chance Peni of the Brumbies has been cited for alleged foul play during his team's loss to the Crusaders on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Zebre won a third straight Pro14 game for the first time in their history thanks to a tight victory away at Italian rivals Benetton.

PRO14 REPORT: James Johnstone, Jordan Lay and Duhan van der Merwe went over as Edinburgh defeated Scottish rivals Glasgow Warriors to claim the 1872 Cup.

PRO14 REPORT: Rory Best’s double-try salvo proved not enough for Ulster to earn their place in the Pro14 [;ay-offs after a tense draw with Irish rivals Munster.

PRO14 REPORT: Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar kicked a dramatic late drop-goal to give Ospreys an excellent win over Cardiff Blues in the last fixture of the regular season.

These results include matches at the Wildeklawer Tournament in Kimberley, Grey High's tournament in Port Elizabeth and the Karroo Tournament in Oudtshoorn.

PRO14 REPORT: Scarlets' title defence continued apace at Principality Stadium after a bonus point victory over Dragons, courtesy of a Tadhg Beirne double, saw them book a home quarterfinal.

PRO14 REPORT: A brace for Niyi Adeolokun and Kieran Marmion saw Connacht bulldoze Leinster on an emotional day.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Reigning Premiership champions Exeter Chiefs scored two tries in either half to secure a bonus point success over Sale Sharks 34-19 at Sandy Park.

REACTION: South Africa paid a dear price for their unbeaten run on Day One in Round Eight of the World Series.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: All Black flyhalf Lima Sopoaga kicked a 82nd-minute penalty to snatch v victory for the Highlanders over the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

Wildeklawer's Day 2 saw many of South Africa's top schoolboy teams in action at Hoërskool  Diamantveld in Kimberley.

SATURDAY WRAP: The Springbok Sevens team will face Kenya in the Singapore Sevens Cup quarterfinals on Sunday.

PRO14 REPORT: The Cheetahs, safe in the knowledge that they have already qualified for the play-offs, eased past the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Manasa Mataele's brace of tries helped the Crusaders edge the Brumbies, winning 21-8 in Canberra on Saturday.

Grey High Schools huge Festival kicked off early on Saturday morning in Port Elizabeth.

After an unusually wobbly start to the season, Affies got on track with a surprisingly big win over Boland Landbou on the opening day of the tenth Wildeklawer Tournament being played at Hoërskool Diamantveld in Kimberley.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Jaguares recorded a historic 20-13 win over the Blues at  Edin Park on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Reds' impressive first-half performance made sure they walked away with a 27-22 win over the Lions on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Waratahs promising flyhalf Mack Mason has extended his stay at the franchise until the end of 2020.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Newcastle Falcons continued their march towards the Premiership play-offs with a dramatic late victory against Leicester Tigers to end a 20-year wait for a win at Welford Road.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Stormers ended their losing streak with a scrappy win over a very poor Rebels team at Newlands on Saturday.

PRO14 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Southern Kings and Cheetahs both made significant changes to their teams for their encounter in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Scotty Stevenson takes a look at what might just be the ailing Super Rugby tournament's biggest problem.

TOP14 SPOTLIGHT: Leaders Montpellier can help themselves, and also the five teams immediately behind them, when they take on Pau on Saturday in the penultimate league round of the French Top 14.

UPDATE: Hurricanes captain Brad Shields will be picked for England in June regardless of New Zealand Rugby's stance, according to the Rugby Football Union.

TRANSFER NEWS: Rugby Australia has offered Wallabies captain Michael Hooper an unprecedented five-year contract in a bid to secure him through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Australian media reported.

NEWS: The Christchurch City Council have announced a fast-tracked business case for a Multi-Purpose Arena, to the delight of the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby Union.

WORLD SEVENS SERIES ROUND EIGHT: The next round of the global circuit kicks off on Saturday,  and with the top seven teams only separated by 43 points sevens fanatics are in for a highly competitive weekend.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sunwolves remain winless in 2018, but the Hurricanes - like so many other teams this year - were made to work hard for their victory.

In the first edition of the RugbyPass Legends series, we bring you their chat with All Blacks great Dan Carter.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders face a significant challenge in the John Mitchell-coached Bulls on Saturday.

JET LAG FACTOR: Travelling will play a major role in the Saturday matches. And the varying methods teams use to cope with it, is what makes it such an intriguing day.

The Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament, started in 2000, takes place from this Sunday, 29 April 2018, the beginning of the Golden Week of holidays in Fukuoka on Japan’s Kyushu Island. It ends on 6 May 2018.

LISTEN as Lions coach Zacharia de Bruin explains how they will deal with the traffic that is expected to test the defence of flyhalf Elton Jantjies in their Round 11 Super Rugby encounter with the Reds on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers flyhalf Damian Willemse will join the Junior Springboks in the UK after being named in Chean Roux’s 29-man squad for their warm-up tour in preparation for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

LAST CHANCE SALOON: The final round in the regular season of the inaugural Pro14 approaches with plenty still to play for.

Graeme College had their first home rugby fixture of the season as they faced visitors Cambridge High School from East London. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions will have a new midfield pairing for their clash against the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, will host a dozen medium-sized schools for a rugby tournament.

REACTION" Wasps have dismissed claims England stars Joe Launchbury, Elliot Daly and Christian Wade are threatening to quit the Premiership outfit over a lack of financial investment.

On Saturday, 21 April 2018, Kearsney College's 1st XV lost to Glenwood 58-8 to Glenwood.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Jason Jenkins will start at flank for the first time when the Bulls take on the Highlanders at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

NEWS: Springbok coach and South African Rugby Union Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus described it as an opportunity to 'improve their bank balance'.

WATCH as a player attempts a penalty kick. The outcome is amazing ...

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Jaguares will be without regular captain Pablo Matera for their clash against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks star wing Bryan Habana insisted that he felt physically able to keep playing, hinting that retirement has been virtually forced upon him.